BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
"The Staff of Asclepius"
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY - LAURA'S DREAM
Laura walks down an empty hallway of an empty grade school,
her FOOTSTEPS echo on the polished marble floor. All around
her are deserted classrooms, neat and untouched, resembling
the idealistic state of a school on the weekend, or the
remains of one after a nuclear holocaust.
Though the hallway is dim, bright DAYLIGHT filters through
the windows. Laura wanders aimlessly until she glimpses
MOVEMENT at the end of the hallway -- the quick flutter of a
CHILD ducking around a corner quickly followed by the hollow
sound of CHILDREN'S LAUGHTER.
LAURA
Hello? Don't be afraid.
LAURA picks up her pace. She rounds the corner and...
...It's another deserted hallway. Laura stands, confused,
until she hears the laughter again, but this time coming from
the opposite direction. Laura whips her head around. There at
the end of another hallway a LITTLE GIRL with slight Asian
features stands awkwardly holding a RAG DOLL.
Laura smiles, relieved.
LAURA (cont'd)
Hi there. Don't be afraid, I'm not
going to hurt you. What's your
name?
She walks towards the girl, but as she comes closer the girl
suddenly ducks into a classroom.
LAURA (cont'd)
No, wait!
Laura runs after her into...
INT. SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS
Laura enters the pristine classroom and stops dead in her
tracks.
SHE SEES: The little girl at the far side of the room,
holding a Colonial standard-issue PISTOL which looks heavy
and bulky in her small hands. Sharon (in her Colonial
military uniform) leans over her, propping her hands on top
of the little girl's hands, positioning the gun correctly.
The two enjoy themselves and don't notice Laura watching
them.
And Laura watches, horrified. She takes a step backwards but
suddenly a HAND grabs her shoulder.
SHARON (O.S.)
Madame President.
Laura SCREAMS, whips around, and finds herself staring into
the expressionless face of another Sharon (this one wearing
regular clothes) whose hand still grasps Laura's shoulder.
SHARON (cont'd)
Madame President.
Off of Sharon's blank robotic expression we cut to...
INT. COLONIAL ONE - LAURA'S BEDROOM
Laura, in her bed, jerks awake. Tory leans over her, fully
dressed, her hand on Laura's shoulder, her face a mixture of
business and concern.
TORY
Madame President. Good, you're
awake.
LAURA
(disoriented)
What? What is it?
TORY
We're under attack.
LAURA
Attack?
Laura blinks hard to regain her senses. She jumps out of bed
and, still in her nightgown, marches to the windows.
LAURA (cont'd)
When did it start? Why didn't you
wake me?
TORY
It just happened, Madame President.
They just appeared. The captain is
prepping the FTL drive. We're
waiting for Admiral Adama's order
to initiate the Jump.
Laura takes it all in. The shock is overwhelming. She turns
to the window, her lips tight, her mind racing.
LAURA
(to herself)
My gods...It's been so long...
She stares helplessly out the window and we follow her gaze
to...
EXT. SPACE - VIPER FORMATION - CONTINUOUS
Vipers sway and swerve in and out of formation as they
prepare to engage the incoming Raiders.
EXT. SPACE - CYLON RAIDERS
The Raiders are all perfectly aligned, heading straight for
the fleet.
INT. KARA'S VIPER
Kara looks bleakly at the approaching Raiders.
KARA
All right boys and girls. It's
simple. We're going in and out, you
hear me? Nice and easy.
INT. KAT'S VIPER
Kat smirks.
KAT
When is it ever nice and easy?
INT. KARA'S VIPER
Kara tugs on the controls and her Viper shoots in front of
the others.
KARA
Today is looking good.
(then)
We're in firing range. Don't miss.
With that remark Kara squeezes the GUN TRIGGER.
EXT. SPACE
The Vipers all OPEN FIRE. Kara immediately hits a Raider and
it EXPLODES.
INT. KAT'S VIPER
Kat hits a Raider.
KAT
Yeah! Take that!
INT. HOT DOG'S VIPER
Hot Dog hits a Raider.
HOT DOG
Whoo! Got him!
EXT. SPACE
The Raiders are quickly diminishing in numbers.
INT. DUCK'S VIPER
Duck hits a Raider.
DUCK
Yeah! Nice and easy, that's how I
like it!
INT. KARA'S VIPER
Through Kara's CANOPY we can see that only two Raiders
remain. But for such a happy occasion, Kara sure looks
concerned.
KARA
Something's wrong here -- they're
not firing back.
KAT (WIRELESS)
Who gives a frak as long as they're
dead?
EXT. SPACE
Kat swoops in past Kara, firing freely.
As the two Raiders fly side by side, Kat hits one of them and
it EXPLODES. The other Raider maintains course. If Raiders
could flinch, this one didn't.
INT. KARA'S VIPER
Kara zeros in on the last Raider.
But as she squeezes the trigger suddenly TEN MORE Raiders
JUMP IN right in front of them!
INT. GALACTICA - CIC - CONTINUOUS
Condition One is set. Everyone is at their stations. Adama
and Tigh stare with anticipation at the DRADIS screen as the
blips representing Vipers suddenly become outnumbered.
GAETA
Dradis contact! I'm reading five --
no, make that ten Raiders!
KARA (WIRELESS)
Frak! They're on top of us!
Tigh looks at Adama eagerly.
TIGH
We should Jump. With this many
Raiders a Base Star can't be far
behind.
Adama stares at the dradis screen. The blips suddenly mean
something new to him.
ADAMA
Did you see that? They're coming in
waves.
TIGH
Waves? No. What is that? A new
tactic?
Adama shakes his head, not sure what to make of it yet. So he
just stares at the dradis screen, waiting, hoping that his
Vipers finish the job.
HOT DOG (WIRELESS)
I got one on my tail!
EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS
But the Vipers are scrambling.
INT. HOT DOG'S VIPER
Hot Dog frantically swerves defensively as one Raider
persistently sits on his tail, firing continuously.
HOT DOG
I can't shake him!
EXT. SPACE
Duck spins around and comes to Hot Dog's aid.
DUCK (WIRELESS)
I got him.
Duck fires and hits the Raider.
Kat maneuvers around the stray shots, aiming at any Raider to
cross her path.
INT. KAT'S VIPER
Kat zeros in on one Raider. She eagerly squeezes the trigger
and watches her bullets fly, waiting to see them connect.
KAT
Come on, come on, come on...
EXT. SPACE
But this wave of Raiders flies defensively and Kat's bullets
whiz by without hitting their mark.
KAT (WIRELESS)
Frak!
The Raiders are now grouped together and have no trouble
sneaking past the scrambling Vipers.
INT. KARA'S VIPER
Kara pulls on the THRUSTERS and her Viper spins around.
KARA
It's never nice and easy.
EXT. SPACE
Kara desperately races her Viper after the Raiders, firing
blindly. But it's too late.
The Raiders have slipped past them and are now heading
straight for the fleet...
INT. GALACTICA - CIC
Everyone is watching and waiting. Adama and Tigh stare at the
dradis screen.
KARA (WIRELESS)
Galactica/Starbuck! Be advised --
multiple targets heading your way.
Repeat -- multiple targets heading
your way!
TIGH
They're through.
(to Gaeta)
Stand by for evasive maneuvers.
(to Adama)
We need to resume Jump prep now.
GAETA
The Raiders are in firing range of
the fleet.
ADAMA
Mr. Gaeta, bring the port guns
online.
INT. PEGASUS - CIC
A flurry of activity similar to the Galactica CIC. Lee's eyes
burrow into the dradis screen.
HOSHI
I'm not detecting any radiological
activity -- they're not firing at
all.
XO
What are they up to then?
LEE
We'll take them out before we find
out.
(to helmsmen)
I want us positioned between those
Raiders and the fleet.
EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS
Galactica's PORT GUNS fire at the Raiders, quick steady
bursts, while Pegasus begins to dip into a position that will
block the fleet from the cylons.
In this exchange two Raiders are hit and they EXPLODE. But
the rest continue on, full of purpose, still not firing a
single round.
INT. KARA'S VIPER
Kara watches as the Raiders suddenly BREAK from their tight
formation and veer in separate directions.
Three Raiders fly dangerously close to the fleet, while five
of them head in the opposite direction.
As realization slowly dawns on Kara...
EXT. SPACE
The three Raiders heading towards the fleet suddenly pick up
speed and KAMIKAZE right into the hulls of THREE SEPARATE
FLEET SHIPS.
The carnage is great. DEBRIS and flames spill from the
wounded ships.
But the remaining Raiders aren't finished yet. Five of them
now head straight for Pegasus!
While the port guns of the battlestar destroy two more
Raiders, three still remain.
INT. PEGASUS - CIC
Lee's eyes dart between his officers and the dradis screen.
KARA (WIRELESS)
Pegasus/Starbuck. Three Raiders are
fast approaching your starboard
side.
HOSHI
No effect, sir. The proximity is
too close.
KARA (WIRELESS)
Repeat -- three Raiders are
through. Lee -- they're heading
right for you!
LEE
Keep firing.
(to XO)
Send out more Vipers.
XO
They're all out, Sir.
LEE
Then recall them!
A SIREN goes off. Hoshi spins in his chair, his eyes wide
with terror.
HOSHI
Proximity alert!
Lee hangs his head, fuming over the enemy's triumph.
LEE
Brace for impact!
EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS
The three Raiders SLAM, in full force, one after the other,
into the guts of Pegasus!
As the battlestar bleeds debris into space we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. GALACTICA - CIC
The moment of shock passes. Now it is time to act. Adama
clenches his teeth.
ADAMA
Damage report.
GAETA
Not sure, sir. They hit four ships
including Pegasus. It's too soon to
tell the damage.
TIGH
Are there any more Raiders?
GAETA
I'm not seeing anything on dradis.
ADAMA
(to Dualla)
Get me Lee on the line.
Dualla hides her fear well as she begins trying to contact
Pegasus. She repeats the same line over and over...
DUALLA
Pegasus/Galactica. Do you read?
Pegasus/Galactica. Do you read?
Adama blinks hard. Anger boiling beneath his stoic exterior.
TIGH
How the hell did they find us?
ADAMA
It doesn't matter how. It matters
that we weren't ready.
DUALLA
Pegasus/Galactica. Do you read?
Pegasus/Galactica. Do you read?
Adama looks at Dualla, she looks back grimly, slowly shaking
her head.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
EXT. SPACE
Kara and the rest of the Vipers circle the wounded Pegasus.
INT. KAT'S VIPER
Kat shakes her head in disbelief.
INT. HOT DOG'S VIPER
Same look of disbelief on his face as Kat's.
INT. KARA'S VIPER
Kara winces when she sees through her canopy pieces of
Pegasus' BULK HEAD collapse and vent out into space.
KARA
Kat, Hot Dog, I want you to fly a
perimeter around the fleet in case
more of them decide to pay us a
visit.
HOT DOG (WIRELESS)
My pleasure.
KAT (WIRELESS)
Those motherfrakkers are gonna pay.
KARA
The rest of you go back to
Galactica. We may need to Jump.
INT. KAT'S VIPER
Kat has a mixture of worry and suspicion on her face.
KAT
And what about you?
INT. KARA'S VIPER
Kara doesn't answer immediately, but when she does she speaks
with resolve. Her mind is set and she knows what she is about
to do is dangerous.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
KARA
I'm going to check out the damage.
And she pulls on the thrusters.
EXT. SPACE
Kara's Viper shoots forward, heading for Pegasus. The rest of
the Vipers break as well. Kat and Hot Dog buddy up and fly
towards the fleet's perimeter while the other Vipers go back
to Galactica.
INT. GALACTICA - CIC
CU on the dradis screen: The blip that represents Kara's
Viper moves towards Pegasus. Tigh squints at the image.
Dualla still attempts to reach Pegasus.
DUALLA
Pegasus/Galactica. Do you read?
TIGH
(re: Kara)
What the hell is she doing? We need
to Jump.
(to Dualla)
Tell her to get back here.
ADAMA
Belay that. We're not Jumping until
I know what the status of the fleet
is. Who knows what the cylons were
thinking sending those Raiders.
TIGH
I can tell you what they were
thinking. They wanted us dead, what
else?
ADAMA
We both know this was an unusual
attack. I can't risk it. I want to
know what's happening. If we can't
get through to Pegasus then maybe
Starbuck can.
Tigh shakes his head, but that's about all he can do.
DUALLA
Pegasus/Galactica. Do you--
Dualla suddenly presses her fingers to her HEADSET and
listens hard. She looks at Adama anxiously.
DUALLA (cont'd)
Sir, I think I have something.
As Adama waits for the report...
INT. PEGASUS - STARBOARD LANDING STRIP
Kara's Viper lands a little rough.
INT. PEGASUS - HANGAR BAY
The Viper comes to a rest and the canopy slides open, but
Kara isn't immediately surrounded by DECK HANDS like usual.
In fact what is happening inside Pegasus is anything but
usual.
OFF KARA as she looks at her surroundings: Lights FLICKER,
deck hands run frantically putting out STRAY FIRES.
Kara flings off her helmet and cuffs. She climbs out of her
Viper and joins the CHAOS.
INT. PEGASUS - CORRIDOR
The corridor is only half lit. PILOTS and OFF DUTY OFFICERS
all pass Kara as she walks towards CIC. They all look shaken.
Some are bleeding. Kara picks up her pace.
INT. PEGASUS - CIC
Kara BURSTS into the CIC. All the officers are busy hitting
the various panels of their various consuls. Everyone is
visibly on edge.
Kara quickly scans the room -- relief flashes in her eyes as
she sees...
Lee standing in the middle of the room, a HANDSET pressed
tightly to his ear. He listens hard, sweat pouring down his
neck. The top buttons of his uniform are undone. A FRESH CUT
is visible beneath his hairline.
LEE
...Galactica? Can you hear me?
Galactica, do you copy?
He slams the handset down and turns to Hoshi.
LEE (cont'd)
I thought I had them.
Hoshi checks his CONSULS and shakes his head.
HOSHI
Communications are down, Sir. I'm
not sure we can bring them back
online without an external--
LEE
Just fix it!
Exasperated, Lee turns to his XO.
LEE (cont'd)
Casualties?
The XO looks somberly at Lee.
XO
It's too early to tell.
Lee nods, the gravity of the situation slowly hitting him. He
finally turns to Kara, his eyes brimming with the burden of
being a leader.
LEE
Kara...What happened out there?
As Kara chokes on her answer we cut to...
INT. GALACTICA - ADAMA'S OFFICE
Adama sits behind his desk.
ADAMA
We weren't ready.
He removes his glasses and looks up at Laura. She leans
staring down at him, both her palms pressed firmly on the
surface of his desk.
ADAMA (cont'd)
That's what happened.
Laura shakes her head.
LAURA
No, not with an attack of this
caliber. There must be something
else. Something we're missing.
ADAMA
Four ships hit -- one of them, a
battlestar. This wasn't some random
attack, it was a calculated
maneuver.
Tigh, who has been sitting in an armchair in the back now
suddenly pipes in.
TIGH
Damn right it was. Months go by and
nothing. Now suddenly they want to
attack?
LAURA
The attack on the Twelve Colonies
was meticulously planned and
executed. They practically wiped us
out in one go... But the tactics
employed today...
(beat)
They almost seems desperate to me.
ADAMA
Suicide attacks are not unheard of.
Tigh stands up and comes closer to the desk.
TIGH
That cylon -- Doral -- blew itself
up and took half a deck with it.
Almost took us with it.
Tigh looks at Adama who nods.
TIGH (cont'd)
They're cylons. They want us
destroyed. It doesn't matter to
them how they do it as long as it's
done.
Laura paces.
LAURA
Then are we safe? Are you going to
order a Jump, Admiral?
ADAMA
No. Not yet. I want the threat on
the damaged ships neutralized
first. We can't risk losing
Pegasus.
A KNOCK at the door. Dualla peeks in.
DUALLA
Admiral, I have the captain of the
Xanthus Star on the line. He says
it's urgent.
Adama puts his glasses back on.
INT. PEGASUS - AFT HANGAR BAY
Piles of large SUPPLY BINS are stacked neatly on one side of
the room. But on the other side the supply bins are torn
apart and scattered. The cause of this mess is a Raider. Its
BODY sits amidst the debris, but its wings have been
completely severed.
Lee and Kara stand in the middle of the hangar bay, observing
a group of deck hands trying to move the Raider with the help
of a CRANE.
Lee points to a large jagged HOLE in the bulk head.
LEE
Came through there. Hit with enough
force to penetrate two decks. I'm
surprised it made it this far.
KARA
Where are the wings?
LEE
Probably still on C deck. Or stuck
in the hull somewhere. But
communications should come back up
now that we found the culprit.
They watch the deck hands spin the body of the Raider.
Suddenly one deck hand COLLAPSES. The others rush around him,
trying to wake him up.
Lee and Kara look at each other. They rush over too.
LEE (cont'd)
What happened?
DECK HAND
He said he felt sick, Sir. Then he
just collapsed.
LEE
What's your name?
DECK HAND
Turnus, Sir. Specialist Turnus.
LEE
All right, Turnus. We're going to
stay calm and we're going to take
this man to sickbay.
(to all the deck hands)
All right?
DECK HAND
Yes, Sir.
But as they try to lift their unconscious friend, Turnus
suddenly steps aside and VOMITS. He wipes his mouth, teeters
slightly, and then also collapses.
KARA
What the frak...
A quick exchange of looks. Everyone is wide-eyed and afraid.
INT. GALACTICA - SHARON'S CELL
Helo stands holding the RECEIVER to his ear, his palm pressed
against the bars of the cell.
HELO
Sharon.
Sharon lies on her cot, ignoring him.
HELO (cont'd)
Sharon, I know you can hear me.
Helo knocks on the cell bars to get her attention but she
doesn't stir. So Helo knocks harder.
HELO (cont'd)
Sharon!
Finally she comes over and slowly puts the receiver to her
ear. Her eyes full of bitter disdain.
SHARON
What?
HELO
We were attacked. Did you know?
(beat)
The cylons surprised us, Jumped in
and flew right at the ships.
He searches her face for something, the slightest hint of
concern. But there is nothing.
HELO (cont'd)
I wanted to make sure you were all
right.
SHARON
Were there any casualties?
HELO
Four ships were hit. No exact
number yet, but I'm sure there will
be some.
Sharon looks him right in the eye.
SHARON
(venomously)
Good.
She drops the receiver. It dangles on its cord as Sharon
collapses on her cot.
Helo bangs on the bars of the cell.
HELO
Sharon! Did you know anything about
the attack?
But she turns on her side, hugging her knees, like a baby in
the womb.
INT. PEGASUS - CIC
Lee on the handset, Kara by his side. The mood in the CIC is
anything but relaxed.
LEE
...Four of them are in sickbay now,
all unconscious. They all had
contact with the Raider. And now
I'm starting to get reports from
the rest of the ship -- people
complaining of nausea, nose bleeds.
These are the symptoms, the same
ones the deck hands experienced...
INT. GALACTICA - CIC - INTERCUT
Adama on his own handset, listening closely. His eyes are
filled with a father's concern.
ADAMA
I know. The other ships have all
reported the same thing, same exact
symptoms.
LEE
This can't be a coincidence. Do you
think it's some kind of virus? Some
new cylon biological weapon?
ADAMA
It might be, yes.
(to Tigh)
Get Cottle up here.
(back to Lee)
Lee, you need to seal off sickbay
and the breached decks immediately.
If it's airborne it could easily
spread through the ventilation
systems.
INT. PEGASUS - CIC
LEE
I know. I did that. But there's a
chance--
Lee stops talking abruptly. Kara's eyes grow wide with
horror.
KARA
Oh gods, Lee...
A trickle of BLOOD drips from his nose onto the consul in
front of him. Lee, not quite understanding yet, wipes at it
with the back of his hand.
Then suddenly it dawns on him. Lee looks at Kara, she stares
back grimly.
LEE
It's too late...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. COLONIAL ONE
We're in the midst of a PRESS CONFERENCE. A throng of eager
REPORTERS wave their TAPE RECORDERS, PENCILS, or PADS OF
PAPER at Laura to get her attention.
But Laura stands behind her podium with her hand in the air,
waiting patiently for the ROAR to die down. Tory stands by
her side.
LAURA
Let me assure you all that although
the initial attack caught us by
surprise, we now have full control
of the situation.
Playa Palacios jumps up.
PLAYA
Madame President, three non
military ships were damaged and
nearly destroyed. How can you
insure the safety of the fleet the
next time the cylons attack?
LAURA
Each ship is to keep their FTL
engines on stand-by and if another
attack occurs Admiral Adama is
prepared to order a fleet-wide
Jump.
Sekou Hamilton stands up.
HAMILTON
And what about the damaged ships?
There have been reports of a virus
on board?
LAURA
Yes, that is correct.
PLAYA
Was the virus part of the cylon
attack? Is the fleet at risk then?
LAURA
I have no new information for you
at this time.
However, let me assure you that the
afflicted ships are getting the
best care and attention that we can
provide.
The reporters rumble. Now they all jump up.
REPORTERS
Madame President! Madame President!
LAURA
I'm sorry, that is all for now. As
soon as I receive any new
information I'll let you all know.
Thank you.
Laura smiles and steps back from the podium. Tory whispers
something in her ear and Laura nods.
In the back, behind all the agitated reporters Baltar leans
against a DOOR FRAME, his arms crossed, his jaw clenched.
The seductive HAND of Number Six appears on his shoulder,
slowly moving down his arm.
NUMBER SIX (O.S.)
Scoping out the enemy, Gaius?
BALTAR
No. Of course not.
Number Six now steps out in full and looks Baltar in the eye.
BALTAR (cont'd)
Well, maybe a little.
NUMBER SIX
(re: Laura))
She's lying, you know.
BALTAR
Oh? You mean to tell me presidents
lie? How scandalous.
NUMBER SIX
She said you have "full control" of
the situation, but you don't. You
never had. From the moment those
Raiders Jumped in you were
powerless.
Baltar stares ahead for a second before he looks her in the
eye, smiling slyly.
BALTAR
Interesting that you mention the
Raiders...If I'm not mistaken,
flying at full speed into the hull
of a ship is often referred to as
suicide... And what does God think
of this particular stratagem?
Anger flashes in Number Six's eyes.
NUMBER SIX
Careful Gaius.
BALTAR
No, I'm curious. Without the
Resurrection Ship, without the
possibility to download into a new
body, it really is suicide, isn't
it?
Number Six bears down on Baltar, looking all at once sexy,
dangerous, and imposing.
NUMBER SIX
Sometimes sacrifices must be made
for the greater good.
But Baltar laughs.
BALTAR
Yes. Right. "For the greater good."
Oh that's catchy. I might even
consider using that one as my
campaign slogan.
Off of Baltar's smug smile...
INT. GALACTICA - HANGAR BAY
Tyrol -- unshaven, tired, and cranky -- is under a DAMAGED
VIPER, pulling at the FUEL VALVES with all his might. The
valves won't budge. Tyrol pulls harder until the valves sever
and FUEL spills out all over him.
TYROL
Frak!
In frustration he slams his fist against the Viper's belly,
and immediately recoils from the pain.
Then he hears:
CALLY (O.S.)
Officer on deck!
Tyrol jumps up and stands at attention. Throughout the hangar
bay the deck hands -- Cally, Jammer, and others -- all stand
at attention because the officer on deck is none other than
Adama.
ANGLE ON Adama as he walks towards Tyrol, passing the
saluting deck hands.
ADAMA
At ease.
The deck hands all immediately go about their business. Cally
gives Tyrol a lingering look. Tyrol wipes his jumpsuit with a
DIRTY RAG, trying to get rid of the fuel stains.
When Adama gets closer, Tyrol stops.
TYROL
Admiral, what can I do for you,
Sir?
ADAMA
(re: the Viper)
I see you've got your hands full
with this bird.
TYROL
Just a bit, yes, Sir... Actually,
she's giving me all sorts of hell
today.
Adama smiles. Then immediately looks serious. Tyrol registers
this.
TYROL (cont'd)
Admiral, what is it?
ADAMA
I have a very important mission for
you, Chief. But it's dangerous.
TYROL
All right. What do you need me to
do?
ADAMA
I need you to go to Pegasus.
Starbuck will meet you there. You
two know Raiders, their physiology.
I want you to bring back samples,
whatever Doc Cottle needs to find a
cure for this virus they were
carrying.
TYROL
Yes, Sir.
ADAMA
We're facing an epidemic, so do it
right and be careful.
TYROL
Yes, Sir.
Tyrol salutes Adama, who salutes back.
As Adama exits, Tyrol watches him go. After a moment he
WHISTLES, hailing Jammer to come over to him.
TYROL (cont'd)
Hey! Jammer!
(re: Viper)
Scrap this thing.
EXT. SPACE
A single Raptor flies towards Pegasus.
RACETRACK (WIRELESS)
Pegasus/Racetrack. Raptor 448
approaching your starboard side.
INT. RAPTOR
The HUM of the engines is the only sound audible inside the
Raptor.
The mood is all business as Racetrack brings the Raptor
closer to Pegasus' landing strip.
While Helo navigates he glances at Tyrol, sitting in the
back, wearing a FLIGHT-SUIT and HELMET, holding a MEDICAL BOX
in his gloved hands.
ON TYROL: Tyrol's expression is blank, but his eyes flash
something new, something we haven't seen from him before --
it's the thrill of danger...
INT. PEGASUS - HANGAR BAY
The Raptor touches down smoothly.
INT. RAPTOR
OFF RACETRACK looking out the canopy: the hangar bay is
DESERTED. No deck hands, no pilots, no movement at all.
RACETRACK
It's completely empty.
HELO
(to Tyrol)
You sure you want to go out there
alone?
TYROL
Starbuck will meet me.
(to Racetrack)
Open the hatch.
Racetrack hits a button and the hatch pops open.
RACETRACK
Be careful, Chief. We don't want
this thing spreading throughout the
whole fleet.
Tyrol jumps out of the Raptor.
INT. PEGASUS - HANGAR BAY - CONTINUOUS
As Tyrol walks away, the Raptor's hatch SEALS shut.
INT. PEGASUS - CORRIDOR
Dim lights. No one in sight. Except...
In the distance a human form in a PETTY OFFICER's uniform
sits slumped against a wall.
TYROL
Hey! You all right?
No response. Tyrol runs closer. The petty officer sits with
his back against the wall and his head slumped forward --
obviously DEAD.
Tyrol leans over him, and gently lifts his head.
OFF TYROL: The petty officer's eyes are GLAZED OVER, staring
nowhere. He has OPEN SORES all over his face and neck.
Tyrol lets the head drop back down...
INT. PEGASUS - AFT HANGAR DECK
It's the same hangar as seen before. The Raider's mutilated
body still sits in the middle of the hangar, still attached
to the crane.
Tyrol enters, looks around. This deck is also deserted
until...
KARA (O.S.)
Took your sweet time getting here.
Tyrol whips around. Kara leans against one of the stray
supply crates. She also wears a flight-suit and helmet.
TYROL
Sorry, Sir. We had to set up a
decontamination zone on Galactica,
for when the Raptor comes back.
KARA
Well you're here now, I guess
that's something.
Kara pushes herself off the crate, wincing a little. She
moves slower than usual, each step requiring double the
effort.
TYROL
I found a dead body out in the
corridor. A petty officer.
KARA
Guess they're dropping everywhere
now.
As she comes closer, it soon becomes clear that this is not
the same Kara we know and love -- her skin is a shade paler,
her hair sticks to her forehead, sweat drips down her face,
dark circles surround her eyes, and there is dried blood
beneath her nose.
Tyrol gawks at her appearance. Kara registers this.
KARA (cont'd)
Don't worry, it feels much worse
than it looks.
(then)
You ready to do this?
Tyrol nods. They head for the Raider.
TYROL
This deck's been decompressed?
KARA
Lee vented it as soon as we set up
sickbay to receive incoming.
Clearly it didn't work... The virus
must have gotten into the
environmentals the moment those
Raiders crashed into the ship.
TYROL
And the decompression just caused
an increase in air circulation. So
by venting one deck the surrounding
decks were immediately infected.
It's a clever plan. They must have
been counting on it.
Kara clenches her jaw. She has to admit it...
KARA
The bastards got us good.
They approach the Raider.
Up close the Raider is missing much more than just the wings
- it's also missing a part of the underbelly and most of its
head. GORE still drips from the open wounds.
Tyrol gets down on one knee and opens the medical box. He
removes FORCEPS, VIALS, and several GLASS JARS.
Kara stands in front of the Raider, studying the remains of
what used to be its head.
KARA (cont'd)
(to Tyrol)
What exactly do you need, anyway?
TYROL
Samples.
KARA
Of?
TYROL
Anything and everything.
He comes over with the forceps and RIPS off a small bloody
chunk from the stump that once was a wing. Then he drops the
sample into one of the glass jars and seals it.
TYROL (cont'd)
Doc Cottle has a pretty substantial
theory that the Raiders weren't
carrying a virus with them--
KARA
No...They were infected with it.
TYROL
That's right. Infect the organic
part, let the machine navigate.
Tyrol now takes a syringe and JABS the Raider. He pulls and
draws blood.
KARA
That's why they never fired at us,
but kept coming. They knew they
were going to die anyway...
Kara comes very close to the Raider.
KARA (cont'd)
(whispers)
Didn't you?
She touches the jagged edge of it's skull, her gloved hand
comes back up bloody. She stares at her palm for a moment and
then swings at the Raider, PUNCHING it repeatedly, with all
her remaining strength.
TYROL
Captain!
Tyrol rushes over, grabs her from behind, trying to calm her
down, but Kara struggles.
TYROL (cont'd)
Kara-- Kara-- Stop!
She breaks out of his grasp and whirls around.
KARA
I can't. I can't just stop! More
than half the crew is sick now.
It's only a matter of time before
we're all dead... I just need-- I
need to do something.
Kara's eyes are full of fear and desperation. Tyrol's own
anguish is reflected in them, yet he doesn't know how to
respond.
INT. GALACTICA - SICKBAY
Cottle sits on a swivel-chair, studying old medical CHARTS.
At the SOUND of the hatch opening, Cottle looks over his
shoulder.
Adama enters.
COTTLE
I don't have anything to tell you
yet.
ADAMA
I'm not here for a report.
COTTLE
(agitated)
You think you've caught the virus?
Because you haven't.
Adama blinks, a bit confused.
COTTLE (cont'd)
(pointing at the medical
charts)
Well don't blame me. In the last
hour I've seen five lieutenants,
three petty officers, and Colonel
Tigh. All of them claiming to have
the symptoms. Frakking
hypochondriacs.
ADAMA
Can you blame them? We've never
faced a threat like this. They're
scared...
(beat)
The Raptor's coming back from
Pegasus. Dee just got word.
COTTLE
And you came all the way down here
just to tell me that?
A faint smile flashes on Adama's face.
ADAMA
As soon as you have the samples, I
want you to work with Dr. Baltar on
analyzing them.
Cottle laughs.
COTTLE
You've got to be kidding. I'm not
working with that fruit cake.
ADAMA
This is a cylon virus. He's a cylon
expert.
COTTLE
He's a nut.
But Adama's eyes say -- Deal with it. Cottle doesn't like it
one bit.
COTTLE (cont'd)
Oh all right.
(then)
Where is he anyway?
Off Adama's expression of -- Good question...
EXT. SPACE - CLOUD NINE
The ship is a brighter than the nearest star.
INT. CLOUD NINE - GINA'S ROOM
The lights are dim, sexy.
Baltar sits in an arm chair, his legs crossed, his fingers
holding a glass of NECTAR, rhythmically tapping to the
CONCERTO playing lightly in the background.
His eyes betray his every thought as he watches Gina sit down
across from him, on the bed.
For all purposes, this looks like the conclusion of a perfect
date. Until...
BALTAR
Now let me ask you something...When
exactly did the cylons start
experimenting with biological
warfare?
Gina is taken aback.
GINA
What?
Baltar places the glass of nectar on a side table.
BALTAR
Did this contagion come as a result
of us destroying your Resurrection
Ship? Is it some sort of revenge?
He strolls across the room and sits down on the bed, right
next to Gina.
BALTAR (cont'd)
Because, you know, viruses,
disease... It all seems so
impersonal.
He moves closer to Gina, his hands inching up her arms.
BALTAR (cont'd)
Cylons are usually much more hands
on...
Gina looks at the carpet, knowing full well where this is
going.
GINA
No. I-- I don't know.
Baltar's hands now move over her shoulders, touching the
SCARS on her back. His breath is heavy on her neck.
BALTAR
I believe that's a lie... Don't lie
to me again.
He pulls off her glasses and kisses her, softly. Gina
stiffens, but kisses back.
BALTAR (cont'd)
What can you tell me about cylon
viruses?
He gently pushes her and they fall on the bed.
BALTAR (cont'd)
(in between kisses)
I need a cure... How do they work?
The more he interrogates, the harder his hands probe her
body. Gina's eyes pop open. She panics.
GINA
Gaius...Gaius stop...
But he doesn't stop. He paws her body, too far gone in his
passion to even care about her answer to his question.
Gina SHOVES him hard, and jumps away from the bed. Baltar is
stunned.
BALTAR
What?! What was that for?
Gina paces, distraught.
GINA
I thought this time for sure--
I thought I could, but...I'm sorry.
Realization dawns on Baltar. Visibly annoyed, he GROANS in
his sexual frustration and drops back down on the bed,
defeated.
ON GINA: She turns away, relieved.
But whether that relief comes from not having to go through
with the sexual act or from not having to answer Baltar's
question remains unknown...
INT. PEGASUS - SICKBAY
This is a large sterile room, similar to a HOSPITAL WARD.
However, at this very moment, it's anything but sterile
because...
...SICK PATIENTS are everywhere. All the cots have long been
filled with bodies, and now people are littering the floor or
sitting slumped against the walls. Some even spill out into
the corridor. All of them MOANING.
Kara walks through this mess, side-stepping LIMBS, BODIES,
and various VOMIT stains. It's difficult to discern who is
still alive and who is dead.
She heads towards the back of the room, to the furthest cot.
Something interests her there, the occupant maybe...
And as she gets closer we finally see that the occupant of
this cot is Lee!
He lies under a blanket, slightly SHAKING. His face has
numerous LESIONS on it -- the same kind we previously saw on
the dead body Tyrol discovered. From the look of it, Lee's
prognosis is not good.
Kara doesn't look any better. Her skin now has a CLAMMY
grayish quality, and an open SORE has formed on her forehead.
She stands at the foot of Lee's cot, staring at him grimly.
He turns to her.
LEE
You look like hell.
Despite the gravity of the situation Kara cracks up. Lee
laughs from her laughing.
KARA
I know.
The light moment quickly passes and reality sets back in.
Kara touches his blanketed foot.
KARA (cont'd)
How are you? You want anything?
LEE
Nah.
Kara nods. She slumps into a chair by his bedside.
KARA
Chief took samples from the Raider
back to Galactica. Doc Cottle is
probably cooking up a cure as we
speak.
LEE
Yeah--
Lee COUGHS painfully. Kara reaches out, takes his hand. As
Lee recovers...
LEE (cont'd)
(re: her hand on his)
You don't have to do that.
KARA
Frak you. I want to.
And despite his protests, Lee is grateful for it.
Kara leans back in her chair, getting more comfortable,
preparing for the long haul. She looks around the decimated
sickbay.
KARA'S POV:
-- A LIEUTENANT hugs a convulsing PILOT.
-- SPECIALIST TURNUS lies on the floor, his eyes open --
dead.
-- A pale PETTY OFFICER carefully feeds water to a prostrated
young DOCTOR. He coughs most of the water up.
Kara blinks and squeezes Lee's hand.
KARA (cont'd)
It's harder than I thought it would
be -- to just sit still, waiting to
die...
LEE
It's not that hard.
As he shuts his eyes we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. COLONIAL ONE - BATHROOM - LAURA'S DREAM
Laura leans over the sink, splashing WATER on her face. She
straightens up and reaches for a TOWEL.
As she watches herself in the MIRROR, the REFLECTION that
stares back looks tired and worried -- clearly weighed down
by the events of the day.
INT. COLONIAL ONE - OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Colonial One is eerily SILENT as Laura steps into her empty
office, deeply absorbed in her own thoughts.
She walks to her desk but as she looks up she FREEZES in mid
stride -- someone is sitting there in her chair, a dark
haired WOMAN, her head hunched low over paperwork.
As Laura cautiously approaches, the woman at the desk lifts
her head, looking directly at Laura who now stares back at an
exact copy of...herself!
But the Laura behind the desk is loose, energetic, and much
more comfortable with herself than our Laura -- so clearly
she's a cylon...
CYLON LAURA
(sweetly)
Welcome, Laura...Please sit.
She gestures to an empty chair in front of the desk. Laura
tentatively complies.
LAURA
(distressed)
What is this?
Cylon Laura leans in, fingers laced, looking a little
disappointed.
CYLON LAURA
Come now...Surely you knew this
would happen...
Laura's eyes get wider, fear creeps up her spine. She shakes
her head refusing to believe.
LAURA
No...
Off of Cylon Laura as she reaches to touch Laura's hand we
SMASH CUT to...
INT. COLONIAL ONE - OFFICE
Laura jerks awake.
LAURA
(disoriented)
No!
She's at her desk, in the same seat Cylon Laura was just
sitting it.
Laura blinks. She grasps the corners of the desk to steady
herself as she catches her breath, slowly recovering.
INT. GALACTICA - BALTAR'S LAB
Baltar, in a crisp LAB COAT with a cigarette hanging from his
lips, stares at his COMPUTER SCREEN, pressing the same KEY
over and over.
The image on the monitor is a GRAPHIC reading of DNA. It
flashes RED as Baltar pounds on the keyboard, signaling some
sort of error.
BALTAR
Damn. I thought I had it for sure
this time.
COTTLE
Uh-huh.
Cottle, also wearing a lab coat and smoking, carefully
squirts a few drops of LIQUID from a PIPETTOR onto a PETRIE
DISH. Then places the petrie dish under a MICROSCOPE.
COTTLE (cont'd)
Would you look at that...
BALTAR
What?
COTTLE
It's a carrier. They were all
carriers, actually.
Cottle looks up from the microscope and gestures to the
petrie dish.
COTTLE (cont'd)
That's the sample Chief Tyrol
brought back from Pegasus. It was
perfectly dormant until I mixed...
(he picks up a vial and
squints at the label)
Lieutenant Delos' blood with it.
Then the pathogen rapidly attacked.
Baltar is impressed, if not jealous.
BALTAR
Well that's very insightful,
doctor, but I'm afraid it
contradicts with my theory that the
virus was genetically programmed.
COTTLE
That's because your theory is
wrong.
BALTAR
Now that's not fair. It's true that
I have yet to conduct a successful
test, however, that doesn't
necessarily mean that I'm "wrong."
An infinite amount of reasons can
attribute to a failed experiment.
For one it could be the computer. I
haven't been to this lab in ages.
It could be the sample. I mean it
could have been --
NUMBER SIX
Blood, Gaius.
Baltar freezes, the words still caught in his throat. He
watches Number Six saunter over to Cottle and look in the
microscope. Cottle, of course, remains focused on Baltar.
NUMBER SIX (cont'd)
It could have been the blood.
BALTAR
(to Number Six)
How do you mean?
COTTLE
What do you mean, how do I mean? I
just explained it to you.
NUMBER SIX
Think about it, Gaius. Would God
want his children to suffer?
Baltar stares at Number Six for a moment before he forces his
eyes to focus on Cottle. He laughs.
BALTAR
Oh, right. I knew that. No, I'm
agreeing with you now.
He gets up and paces, spinning his new theory. Number Six
watches as she parks herself on a lab table, legs crossed.
BALTAR (cont'd)
What if it's the blood?
Cottle observes him skeptically.
COTTLE
You mean Lieutenant Delos' blood?
BALTAR
No, I mean cylon blood...The
Raiders were carriers of a dormant
pathogen. It wasn't until they
crashed into the ships that the
virus was released. That's when it
spread and infected people --
rapidly attacking. So...
Baltar rushes over to his computer, his fingers fly across
the keyboard until...
The DNA graphic chart that was flashing red before now
suddenly turns GREEN. Baltar turns the monitor towards
Cottle, grinning proudly.
BALTAR (cont'd)
If we can manipulate the virus on a
genetic level to think that human
blood is actually cylon blood --
then we have our cure.
Cottle considers this.
BALTAR (cont'd)
We'll just need a sample from our
resident cylon prisoner to make it
all better.
As Baltar turns to Six, silently gloating...
INT. GALACTICA - SHARON'S CELL
Helo stands with the receiver to his ear, just like before,
only this time he looks desperate.
HELO
Sharon, please listen to me...It's
not like I have a lot of choice
here.
Sharon sits on the edge of her cot, rolling her eyes. She
looks disheveled, her hair knotted, her face tear-stained. If
she were human she'd look like someone who hasn't slept in
days.
HELO (cont'd)
I can't expect them to ignore this,
no matter how much I want them
to... You know I can't.
(beat)
I was on Pegasus myself. I saw what
it's like over there. Imagine how
many people will die if this virus
manages to spread from ship to
ship...This is a matter of
protecting the fleet.
Sharon shakes her head, refusing to look at him.
HELO (cont'd)
(exasperated)
Look, it's just a blood sample...I
don't understand why it matters to
you so much.
At this Sharon looks right at him. She comes over and grabs
the receiver.
SHARON
You want to know why it matters,
Helo? I'll tell you...Doesn't it
strike you odd that whenever
something happens to the fleet it's
you who always comes to me. You
stand there -- just like you're
standing there now and you beg for
me to save them. And what do I do?
I help them, for your sake. I save
them. And then I wait until the
next time you need me...
(beat)
But what do they do for me?
They keep me in this cage. They
murder the only thing that I was
living for...
Sharon breaks off, struggling just to look at Helo. She
shakes her head -- No.
HELO
Sharon-- They can take it by force
and I won't be able to stop them--
SHARON
They murdered our daughter, Helo!
Don't you understand? I want them
to suffer!
She throws the receiver down, but doesn't move. She stares at
Helo, searching his face for some sign of allegiance.
But Helo just stares back, empty and completely distraught...
INT. GALACTICA - ADAMA'S OFFICE
CLOSE UP on Adama's HAND holding the old photograph of a much
younger Adama with his two small sons, Lee and Zack.
ON ADAMA as he studies the photograph, his face full grief.
Laura sits in a chair across from Adama, her head bent
slightly, lost in her own thoughts.
The SILENCE is broken when Adama puts the photograph down,
his fingers lingering on the frame. He walks to the CARAFE OF
WATER and pours two glasses.
ADAMA
Sharon still refuses to cooperate.
LAURA
Oh?
Laura looks up as Adama hands her a glass.
ADAMA
Helo came to see me. He says he's
never seen her so distraught. He
went so far as to tell me that he
fears for her safety.
Adama returns to his desk and sits, wrapping his fingers
around the glass of water as if it were a mug of steaming
coffee. Laura considers her next statement.
LAURA
Perhaps you should speak with her.
She trusted you once -- the other
Sharon.
Adama nods, but doesn't look up.
ADAMA
Do you think this will ever end?
LAURA
Not in our lifetime. But our
children's...We fight for them.
Adama looks at his photograph again.
ADAMA
I can't even see my son on his
deathbed -- it's too great a risk.
LAURA
Then help him the only way you can.
Talk to Sharon. We can't afford to
deal with another crisis, not now.
If we force the blood from her...
(shakes her head)
She's been through enough already.
Off Adama as he considers this, all the while studying
Laura's face...
INT. GALACTICA - MORGUE
Adama pulls out the SLAB that contain's Galactica Sharon's
mutilated body -- Despite her wounds, even the post-mortem
ones, she still looks peaceful.
ON ADAMA as he momentarily gets lost in this calmness...
But then the HATCH swings open and Adama watches TWO MARINES
guide a SHACKLED Sharon into the morgue.
ADAMA
(to the Marines)
Take off her restraints.
The Marines do as they're told -- they remove the HAND-CUFFS
and LEG-IRONS then step back.
ADAMA (cont'd)
Thank you...You can go.
The Marines look skeptically at Adama. He nods. They salute
and exit, closing the hatch behind them.
Sharon stands awkwardly in the middle of the room, rubbing
her wrists, her eyes darting between Adama and Galactica
Sharon's corpse.
ADAMA (cont'd)
I loved her like a daughter.
Sharon steps closer -- the extent of Galactica Sharon's
wounds register on Sharon's face.
SHARON
(disgusted)
This is how you love someone?
She touches the gunshot wound on Galactica Sharon's cheek --
the new one from Sesha Abinell's gun.
SHARON (cont'd)
Of course it is...
(then)
What do you want from me?
Sharon's bitterness stings Adama.
ADAMA
I want you to consider how many
lives we can save with your
cooperation.
SHARON
I'm a cylon, Admiral. I'm your
enemy. I'd be going against my
nature if I helped you.
ADAMA
You love Helo, don't you?
This takes Sharon by surprise.
ADAMA (cont'd)
You loved your baby.
Sharon immediately stiffens.
ADAMA (cont'd)
But that's not how you were
programmed.
(he looks at Galactica
Sharon)
We all know what betrayal feels
like -- don't think it's a new
concept...
He looks at Sharon, his eyes a mixture of hope and grief.
ADAMA (cont'd)
Just embrace it and move on.
(beat)
Doc Cottle is ready for you in
sickbay. I'm sure you know, if
necessary, we will force the blood
sample from you. But I don't want
to take that step just yet.
ON SHARON as she stares at Galactica Sharon's body...
Sharon suddenly seems so lost -- emotions pummeling her
insides into a frenzy of confusion -- and all she can do is
cry...
INT. GALACTICA - SICKBAY
Sharon sits on a COT, looking at the ground.
A NEEDLE is stuck in her arm -- the end connected to a TUBE.
BLOOD runs through this tube into a VIAL in Cottle's hands.
Helo holds Sharon's hand. Cottle looks at him encouragingly.
The vial is almost full. Cottle removes it and replaces it
with an empty one. As blood begins to fill the new vial,
Cottle hands the full one to Baltar who takes it over to a
MICROSCOPE.
Adama stands in the back, observing. The two Marines stand at
attention nearby.
The room is QUIET until...
The HATCH pops open and Laura enters.
LAURA
(in greeting)
Admiral...Doctors...
ADAMA
Madame President --
BALTAR
Come to join our little medical
soiree?
Everyone looks at Baltar -- that was inappropriate and he
knows it. He clears his throat.
BALTAR (cont'd)
I just meant -- we're working very
very hard.
LAURA
Yes...I can see that Dr. Baltar.
(beat)
Thank you.
She walks to Sharon, forcing a smile.
LAURA (cont'd)
And thank you...for your
cooperation.
Sharon looks at Laura, her face ashen.
SHARON
My cooperation...
Helo squeezes her hand in warning.
SHARON (cont'd)
...is endless.
LAURA
And we're grateful for it, always.
SHARON
You're a liar.
HELO
Sharon...
LAURA
I'm sorry?
Cottle removes the second full vial and replaces it with
another empty. The blood continues to drip.
SHARON
Go ahead, act coy and innocent.
That doesn't fool me -- I know what
you did.
Sharon's eyes burrow into Laura's.
SHARON (cont'd)
You use everyone in your path to
further your means and you justify
it all by calling it
survival...Survival of the human
race...Hera was only a baby...
(beat)
And you're all murderers!
Sharon's voice cracks. She RIPS the needle from her arm and
throws it -- A SPRAY of blood hits Cottle's lab coat while
the vial SHATTERS on the floor.
Helo grabs Sharon as Laura steps back defensively.
The Marines AIM their WEAPONS but Adama steps forward, his
arm raised, signaling them to wait because...
Sharon doesn't attack. She just sits on the cot, holding her
bleeding arm -- her shoulders heaving from a mixture of
laughing and crying.
Cottle is the first to move -- he presses GAUZE to Sharon's
wound.
The Marines lower their weapons and Adama turns to Helo.
ADAMA
I think she's had enough. Take her
back to her cell.
LAURA
Wait.
(to Sharon)
I want you to know that I meant
what I said. You have my full
sympathies on the loss of your
baby, but think of how many parents
lost their children as a result of
this war. Think of how many
children are dying right now from
this disease...
Laura looks at Adama then back to Sharon.
LAURA (cont'd)
Your contributions have not been
forgotten.
Sharon shakes her head, holding something back, fighting her
emotions. But finally she gives up.
SHARON
You're all such fools...The cylons
hit Pegasus but they were aiming
for both battlestars. By
sacrificing a few Raiders they
would render the entire fleet
defenseless.
ADAMA
The virus was just the first stage
of the attack...
Sharon nods.
SHARON
So that later they could come back,
pick off the rest of the fleet
without any opposition...
ADAMA
There's going to be another wave...
As Adama clenches his jaw, his mind racing, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. GALACTICA - BALTAR'S LAB
Cottle holds X-RAYS up to the light, squinting at them,
puffing on another cigarette.
Baltar inputs DATA into his computer. He punches away on the
KEYBOARD until that pesky red ERROR graphic appears.
BALTAR
Hmm.
Cottle switches x-rays.
COTTLE
What?
BALTAR
Oh I'm sure it's nothing. I'll
just...
(types something)
There.
The graphic turns green and then immediately turns red again.
It FLASHES on the screen.
BALTAR (cont'd)
Damn...
Cottle turns.
COTTLE
(annoyed)
What?
BALTAR
I believe we have a slight problem.
COTTLE
What kind of slight problem?
Baltar runs his hands through his hair.
BALTAR
I may have misjudged the extent of
our capabilities to manipulate
cylon DNA.
COTTLE
You mean your theory was crap all
along.
BALTAR
Look, I just didn't consider that
the virus would entirely shut down
when it came into contact with
cylon blood -- an unfortunate
misjudgment on my part, I admit.
Cottle suddenly turns to Baltar.
COTTLE
It shut down?
BALTAR
Yes -- completely. I mean it's
quite impossible to isolate the
antigen if it's in complete stasis,
now isn't it?
Cottle grows silent, mulling something over. Then it hits
him. He suddenly jumps up and begins packing all of his
equipment.
COTTLE
You're a real piece of work,
Baltar.
Baltar turns.
BALTAR
Excuse me?
COTTLE
You heard me. One hurdle and you
give up? Some genius...
Cottle heads for the hatch, Baltar looks confused.
BALTAR
Where are you going?
COTTLE
(as he exits)
I've had enough of this loony bin.
As Baltar's monitor flashes red...
INT. GALACTICA - ADAMA'S OFFICE
Cottle, in his COLONIAL UNIFORM, stands in front of Adama's
desk, Laura stands next to him.
Adama stares up at them.
ADAMA
(to Cottle)
I can't give you a Raptor, not when
we're anticipating an attack.
COTTLE
I know the extent of our situation,
but I wouldn't be asking if it
weren't important...You have to
trust me on this one, Bill.
ADAMA
I trust you, but you're our only
doctor and I can't risk you leaving
Galactica...Not now.
COTTLE
I have a hunch on how to cure this
thing. But it's dangerous.
Adama considers this. Cottle looks at Laura, she nods -- it's
time.
COTTLE (cont'd)
Baltar's theory -- that
manipulating Sharon's blood would
produce an antiviral protein --
backfired on him. But it got me
thinking...If the virus attacks
human blood but shuts down in cylon
blood, then the only way we can
obtain a successful antigen is from
a mixture of the two.
LAURA
From Sharon's baby.
Adama takes off his glasses. He suddenly understands what's
going on and he feels foolish.
ADAMA
That baby was destroyed. We
agreed...
COTTLE
That baby is genetically programmed
to naturally resist this infection.
It's our only hope.
ADAMA
Where is it?
LAURA
I've placed her on the Argo, with a
young mother who has no idea what
her baby really is.
Adama stands up, his fury showing in his eyes.
ADAMA
You're insane, both of you! Do you
have any idea what kind of danger
you've put this fleet in because
that baby still lives?
(beat)
Who is this young mother? Where did
you find her? How do you know she's
not a cylon agent and you haven't
just handed over exactly what the
cylons have been after all along?
And now that they have it they send
a virus and wipe us all out...
Laura takes it all, tight-lipped.
LAURA
Nobody knows, Admiral...You didn't
even know...
Adama stares at Laura, betrayed.
ADAMA
You lied to me...
LAURA
I had no choice. You said it
yourself, if the cylons went to
such trouble keeping that baby
alive then it's valuable to them.
Now imagine how valuable it can be
to us.
She looks at Cottle.
COTTLE
(re: Laura)
It already has been.
LAURA
I acted with the best interest of
the fleet in mind.
Adama slowly sits back down.
ADAMA
(icy)
I hope you're right, Madame
President...You have your Raptor.
Laura smiles, but her triumph is laced with regret...
EXT. SPACE
A single RAPTOR flies from Galactica towards the mass of
fleet ships -- heading for THE ARGO, a small transport ship.
INT. GALACTICA - CIC
The ship is at Condition One -- all posts manned and ready,
waiting for the inevitable attack.
Adama strides into CIC, a man not to be reckoned with. Tigh
observes the sudden change in Adama's demeanor.
TIGH
What happened to you?
Adama's eyes flash -- he is not to be messed with.
ADAMA
Report.
TIGH
There's nothing to report. It's all
quiet. They haven't even--
An ALARM goes off and Gaeta whirls to his consul.
GAETA
Dradis contact!
EXT. SPACE
Sure enough twenty RAIDERS have Jumped in.
INT. GALACTICA - CIC
The frenzy has begun...
TIGH
How many Raiders are we dealing
with?
DUALLA
Approximately twenty, Sir.
GAETA
They're alone -- No Base Stars.
TIGH
Not yet anyway.
Adama's eyes burrow through the dradis screen.
ADAMA
Launch all Vipers. I want Galactica
positioned between those Raiders
and Pegasus. We draw all the fire!
EXT. SPACE
VIPERS shoots out of Galactica and race to meet the Raiders.
KAT (WIRELESS)
Galactica/Kat. I have a visual --
All Vipers prepare to engage on my
mark...
EXT. SPACE - CYLON RAIDERS
The Raiders are all aligned and ready for attack -- These are
healthy and seem very much like their regular old selves
again.
INT. PEGASUS - SICKBAY
ON KARA as she sits in the chair by Lee's bedside, her head
cocked to one side -- sleeping.
From the SPEAKERS a WEAK female voice repeats over and
over...
FEMALE VOICE
Action stations, action stations.
This is not a drill, I repeat, this
is not a drill...
Kara's eyes POP OPEN -- her instincts telling her to rise but
her body telling her to stay immobile.
She listens to her instincts and as soon as she sits up she
AUDIBLY WINCES.
Kara turns her head to see if Lee is awake. Sure enough he is
-- his eyes are open, studying something on the ceiling.
Kara slowly rises and turns to leave. Lee looks at her, when
her back is turned.
LEE
Don't do it, Kara...That's an
order.
Kara smiles. She looks back at him over her shoulder -- her
mind already set.
KARA
You should know, Commander, I have
a bad habit of disobeying orders...
As Kara leaves Lee behind...
EXT. THE ARGO
The Argo flies cushioned between TWO LARGE CARGO SHIPS --
oblivious to the battle of VIPERS and RAIDERS in the
distance.
INT. THE ARGO - MAYA'S QUARTERS
The room is SMALL and humble -- equivalent to a cozy studio
apartment.
However, the tranquility is interrupted by the sound of a
BABY CRYING.
Laura and Cottle sit on a COUCH watching Maya pick up the
baby from a WHITE BABY'S CRIB in the corner of the room.
Maya cradles the baby, gently rocking her, and sits opposite
from Laura and Cottle.
MAYA
I'm sorry -- She's been crying like
this all night...I don't know
what's wrong -- I hope she's not
getting sick...
Maya looks at Cottle, sudden panic in her eyes.
Cottle and Laura exchange looks.
LAURA
Well that's actually why we're
here, Maya. That's why Dr. Cottle
is here.
(beat)
There is a chance that your ship
has been exposed to the cylon
virus.
MAYA
Oh gods...How did this happen? I -
I haven't heard anything on the
radio or...
Maya breaks off, her eyes wide with horror.
LAURA
You wouldn't -- not yet anyway. I
myself have just been privy to the
information. This crisis is
overwhelming.
MAYA
Could Isis be -- Is that why she's
crying? Could she have this virus?
LAURA
Well that's why we're here, Maya.
We have some good news -- Dr.
Cottle has created a vaccine...
Laura looks at Cottle expectantly. Cottle scowls, hating
every moment of this.
COTTLE
Right. But I'll be frank with you.
It's very dangerous and she's not
going to like it when I give it to
her.
Maya rocks the baby, looking concerned.
MAYA
But it works?
LAURA
It works. Let the doctor administer
it to Isis. Just in case...Then
we'll take care of you.
Maya hesitantly nods. She stands. Cottle and Laura stand as
well.
MAYA
Where do you want her?
COTTLE
Perhaps it's best that I take her.
(to Roslin)
And you can help the mother through
this.
MAYA
(as she hands the baby to
Cottle)
Oh gods...
Cottle brings the baby to her crib. He puts her down and
removes from his MEDICAL BAG a SYRINGE filled with a PINK
SUBSTANCE. Upon seeing the syringe, Maya gasps.
COTTLE
This vaccine -- it's an infection.
There's no telling how Isis might
react to it.
Laura puts her arm around Maya.
LAURA
It's all right, Maya. She'll be all
right.
Laura looks at Cottle -- Do it.
Cottle INJECTS the syringe into the baby's bottom, squeezing
all the pink liquid out. The baby HOWLS.
EXT. SPACE
The RAIDERS put up quite a battle against the VIPERS.
As the Vipers sway and swerve evasively, one Raider SHOOTS
and hits a Viper -- it EXPLODES.
INT. KAT'S VIPER
Kat jams the thrusters, DIVING to avoid a collision with the
burning Viper.
KAT
I frakking told you to watch your
sixes!
INT. HOT DOG'S VIPER
Hot Dog looks over his shoulder, a Raider has just marked
him.
HOT DOG
That's kind of hard to do when
we're outnumbered --
He DIPS to avoid taking fire.
INT. KAT'S VIPER
She laughs bitterly.
KAT
We're always outnumbered.
To punctuate the statement Kat squeezes the GUN TRIGGER,
firing continuously, and hits a stray Raider -- the Raider
SPIRALS out of control.
INT. DUCK'S VIPER
Through his canopy, Duck sneaks a peek at the Raider Kat just
sent spiraling. He smiles, amused.
When he shifts his attention forward, Duck's eyes grow wide
because...
Another wave of RAIDERS and a BASE STAR have just Jumped in!
DUCK
Holy frak...We've got incoming!
INT. GALACTICA - CIC
The CIC is a jumble of activity, but Adama and Tigh stand
still, staring at the dradis screen.
TIGH
Sonofabitch -- the whole armada is
here.
ADAMA
Alert the fleet -- we're going to
Jump.
Tigh looks surprised.
TIGH
What about Pegasus and the damaged
ships? You didn't want to risk it
before.
ADAMA
I changed my mind. We have less of
a chance if we stay here.
That's all Tigh needed to hear.
DUALLA
Galactica to all vessels -- Prepare
to make an immediate Jump to escape
coordinates Delta. Repeat -- escape
coordinates Delta. Set clocks on my
mark...Mark.
TIGH
(to Gaeta)
Begin Jump Prep.
EXT. SPACE
Raiders are EVERYWHERE -- all of them firing at the Vipers.
INT. KAT'S VIPER
Kat is feeling the pressure -- eyes wide, face sweating.
KAT
Galactica/Kat. We're getting
pummeled here!
She pulls on the thrusters, SPINNING to avoid a collision
with a Raider.
KAT (cont'd)
I don't know how much longer we can
hold them.
Through her canopy she can see THREE Raiders coming right for
her. Kat's heart races -- she can't possibly avoid them
all...
But she doesn't have to because suddenly KARA'S VIPER comes
out of nowhere, shoots past Kat, and engages all three of the
Raiders at once.
KAT (cont'd)
Starbuck?
INT. KARA'S VIPER
Kara's eyes are full of hatred as she squeezes the trigger,
firing at the Raiders.
KARA
Come and get me, you frakkers --
come on!
She fires repeatedly, hitting all three Raiders.
But afterwards Kara doesn't pull back. She DIVES into the
FRAY, firing wildly, SCREAMING a war cry as Raiders EXPLODE
all around her.
She has literally taken out a whole SQUADRON of Raiders all
by herself.
And now Kara is spent. She breathes heavily, any moment now
she might pass out...
INT. THE ARGO - MAYA'S QUARTERS
All eyes are on the baby as she suddenly stops crying and
begins to CONVULSE.
Maya tries to move forward, but Laura holds her back, shaking
her head. Maya turns to Cottle, but his eyes never leave the
baby.
MAYA
(to Cottle)
Help her -- Do something!
Cottle holds up a hand, signaling Maya to wait. The violent
convulsions suddenly stop -- the baby lies perfectly still.
COTTLE
She's not breathing.
Cottle grabs his medical bag. Maya lunges at the crib.
MAYA
Isis! Oh gods...
LAURA
What can I do, Doctor?
Laura looks him right in the eye -- she means it. Cottle
takes out a BREATHING MASK.
COTTLE
Here, help me with this.
The mask is a little big for the baby so Cottle takes Laura's
hand and places the palm on top of the mask giving the
impression that Laura is about to suffocate the baby.
COTTLE (cont'd)
Apply pressure so the oxygen
doesn't escape.
Laura nods nervously. The baby looks tiny beneath her palm.
Cottle presses with two fingers on the baby's chest -- quick
little compressions. Maya stares anxiously through the bars
of the crib.
And suddenly the baby COUGHS. Laura immediately moves to lift
her hand but Cottle holds it still. He prods the baby with
his STETHOSCOPE and only after his face relaxes does he let
Laura lift the mask.
The baby now looks perfectly happy and healthy. She KICKS and
COOS.
Maya laughs through her tears. Cottle looks at Laura, she
sighs, relieved.
After a moment Cottle takes out an empty syringe.
COTTLE (cont'd)
I have to bring back a sample of
your baby's blood -- for further
testing on Galactica. It won't hurt
her, I promise.
Maya reluctantly nods. She holds the baby's hand as Cottle
fills the syringe with blood. The baby doesn't cry, but Laura
does. She stands rigid, smiling diplomatically, but still a
tear slips through, and as Laura quickly brushes it away
we...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. COLONIAL ONE - LATER
Another PRESS CONFERENCE is underway.
LAURA
...Distribution of the vaccine is
our number one priority and you
have my word that all vessels in
the fleet will receive a shipment.
The REPORTERS jumps up.
REPORTERS
Madame President! Madame President!
Laura genuinely smiles.
LAURA
That is all for now.
She steps back from the podium, waving at the PHOTOGRAPHERS.
In the back Baltar stands like before, except this time he
looks furious.
Number Six stands next to him, imitating his demeanor.
NUMBER SIX
You're an easy target, Gaius.
Susceptible to all kinds of attack.
BALTAR
Oh come off it.
NUMBER SIX
How do you expect to win the
presidency if you let her steal the
spotlight from right under you?
BALTAR
Look, I couldn't make that cure, I
admit, but I just don't understand
how he could...
NUMBER SIX
Doctors lie. Presidents lie. You
lie...
(beat)
You're jealous.
Baltar doesn't respond. He looks huffy. Number Six comes
over, drapes her arms around him.
NUMBER SIX (cont'd)
Gaius, Gaius...Failure stings, huh?
But you're lucky.
You have earned God's favor and he
shall reward you.
(whispers)
In time they'll be jealous of
you...
As Baltar contemplates going in for a kiss...
INT. PEGASUS - LEE'S OFFICE
Lee writes in his LOG as Kara enters. He looks up, puts his
pen down.
The two of them seem much better now, though Lee still has
some SORES on his face.
KARA
Should you be out of sickbay so
soon?
LEE
Someone has to do some work around
here. Besides, Cottle's miracle
cure is doing wonders -- I've never
felt better.
KARA
I just spoke with the Old Man. He
gave me the all-clear to return to
Galactica. So...
(beat)
I just wanted to see how you were
doing before I left.
LEE
Well I'm fine now -- thanks.
Kara nods, she turns to leave. Then...
LEE (cont'd)
What you did out there today was
stupid.
This gets Kara's attention.
LEE (cont'd)
You acted recklessly, not to
mention you disobeyed a direct
order.
(beat)
You could've gotten everyone out
there killed. You could've gotten
yourself killed.
KARA
Well that was the plan, so...
Kara turns around. Lee smiles, disappointed.
KARA (cont'd)
Come on, Lee...No way was I going
to rot in sick bay while the cylons
were out there. Not after what they
did to us.
LEE
I get it, Kara. I really do...It's
hard to relinquish control like
that. But you were unfit to fly,
Kara, and you put everyone in
danger.
(beat)
Sometimes it's best just to step
back.
KARA
We can't afford any more backwards
steps.
On Lee as he studies Kara's face -- somewhere inside he knows
that she is right...
INT. COLONIAL ONE - OFFICE
Laura sits behind her desk, Adama sits across from her. They
are both SILENT.
Tory enters and hands Laura a FILE.
TORY
The final casualty count, Madame
President.
LAURA
Thank you, Tory.
Tory leaves and Laura flips open the file.
LAURA (cont'd)
Four-hundred forty-six dead...What
a waste.
She stands and subtracts that number from the number on her
WHITE BOARD.
Laura sits back down and picks up her own MEDICAL FILE. She
hands it to Adama.
LAURA (cont'd)
That's my medical file. It's
supposed to be confidential. We
don't want the fleet knowing all
the details of how their president
is still walking after her bout
with terminal cancer.
Adama doesn't open the file.
LAURA (cont'd)
It says in there my cancer was
cured due to "an amalgam in the
cylon human's blood DNA."
(beat)
You made that decision and I'm
grateful for it. I'm alive now
because of it.
She smiles an empty smile.
LAURA (cont'd)
That baby cured me without even
drawing breath -- how did we think
we could destroy something like
that? Thank the gods we didn't...
ADAMA
You may be right, but you still
should have told me. You can't
afford to keep me in the dark like
that again.
Laura nods, she looks down. Suddenly her shoulders heave.
LAURA
I fear my own body, Bill...
She looks up, her eyes are wet with tears. Adama reaches
over, touches her hand.
On this we go WIDE -- Laura and Adama are completely alone.
And in this moment, as Laura lets all her armor crumble,
we...
FADE OUT.
END OF SHOW